The Nature of the Industry - Essay Example

?reference from part1 and part 2 please can you separated both of the references of East London School of Computing and Technology Civil Engineering _______________________________ Name ______________________________ Course Title/year Work Based Study CE 1212 Coursework Report “The Nature of the Industry” ________________________________ Date of Submission Introduction The engineering and construction is considered as one of the most complex and hazardous form of industries. This involves various workforces from skilled to unskilled since it entails different and numerous ranges of activities starting from the design to construction stage as well as during the productive use of the built environment. For the purpose of determining the nature of the engineering and construction industry in UK, this report is divided into two parts. The Part 1 contained three sub-tasks wherein Task 1 presents the roles and responsibilities of the involved construction specialist personnel including the health and safety themes and intention of the policy as well as the precautionary and control methods in construction site. Specifically, Task 2 discusses the nature of design and construction works to be undertaken for commercial development. Moreover, Task 3 presents the challenges and opportunities faced by the construction industry in UK. Meanwhile, the Part 2 of this paper would present a descriptive report on the actual site visit conducted by the researcher. Part 1 Task 1 A. Roles and Responsibilities Basically, engineering and construction involves complex and critical operation process. Hence, it includes various construction personnel who works together in order to complete a built structure based on client’s specifications, costs, time and building standard quality. Usually, the team is consists of the following personnel: Architect, Mechanical and Electricity Engineer, Site-Based Cost Control Surveyor, Site Engineer and Site-Based Environmental manager. As cited in APUC (2007), these personnel have their own specific tasks and responsibilities to perform in every stage of the built environment projects and they are the ones accountable and liable to these tasks in case errors or defects emerged. Architect In engineering and construction, the architect plays a very crucial and important role because he/she will lead the design and planning team of the built environment project. The architect is the one accountable in the conceptualization of the design up to the provision of detailed floor plans and sets of building construction drawing designs which is necessary to start the actual construction of the project. The purpose of the design stage of building construction is to integrate the requirements specified by the client according to the project budget and timescale as well as to assess the possible occurrence of design risks. In addition, it is also the responsibility of the architect to look the overall coordination of the built environment design including space planning, appearance, and materials/equipment used in construction and the furniture to be placed in the built structure upon its completion. The architect will work hand-in-hand with the site engineer during the construction phase to ensure that all the requirements specified in the design are properly installed and able to meet the client’s design preferences (APUC, 2007). Mechanical and Electricity Engineer The mechanical and electricity engineer is the one responsible in ensuring that the electrical and mechanical facilities and equipment to be installed in the built environment are environmentally sustainable which features energy efficiency use. The purpose is to minimize the consumption of energy to lessen/reduce carbon emission. In addition, the M & E Engineer is also the one responsible in the estimation of cost related to his/her specific task, which in turn forwarded to the Cost Control Surveyor for cost planning. The M & E Engineer will closely work with the Architect and Site Engineer in order to ensure that the client’s brief and the building’s environmental targets are both met (APUC, 2007). Cost Control Surveyor As the name of the position implied, it is the responsibility of the surveyor to control and manage all the costs and expenses related to the construction project. It is his/her responsibility to provide the client with all the necessary financial estimation and calculation as well as to suggest and assist on more economical means of construction procurement and tender. The purpose of the cost control surveyor is to reduce costs whilst ensuring that the quality of the project is not disregarded. He/she will be working closely with the project architect and engineer in order to properly assess the project’s life cycle cost and to prepare the cost plan (APUC, 2007) Site Engineer The Site Engineer is the one accountable in the overall structural design and construction of the built environment project such as layout design of all aspects of the project including earthwork and foundation system, installation of electrical system, water and drainage system, sustainable waste management system and among others. Therefore, the Site Engineer will coordinate with all the involved team members to ensure that all the activities are appropriate, coordinated and able to meet the building standards requirements as well as the client’s brief (APUC, 2007). Environmental Manager The Environmental Manager (EM) is the one responsible in the evaluation and assessment of all the construction activities as well as upon completion and during the production span of the built environment. The purpose of this is to ensure that the entire built environment would not contribute to the destruction or alteration of the natural environment and would not imposed danger or health issues to people who will be using it. The EM would include in his/her assessment and evaluation the following features: energy usage, carbon emissions, health building features, air quality and ventilation, re-use and recycling of materials, ecology of the site, water conservation, noise pollution, hazardous materials, lighting, and local amenities and facilities (APUC, 2007, p.38). The EM would be most likely work with all the involved team members to achieve the building sustainability features. B. Health & safety in the construction industry The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 is the main regulation in the entire Great Britain applicable to all construction work. This regulation was formulated based on the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974. Moreover, the primary aim of the regulation is to promote and ensure health and safety performance in the construction industry. To achieve this purpose the regulation mandates the integration of appropriate project planning and management in order to determine/recognize the construction risks and hazards that may possibly occur and/or eliminate or prevent them before their occurrence. The HSE (2007, p. 7) states that this regulation: “is intended to focus attention on planning and management throughout construction projects, from design concept onwards. The aim is for health and safety considerations to be treated as an essential, but normal part of a project’s development – not an afterthought or bolt-on extra.” C. Precautions/Control Methods For the purpose of protecting and ensuring the safety of the workers on the site especially during heavy construction activities such as placing, compacting and finishing concrete; erecting a tall steel frame building; and undertaking maintenance on a deep enclosed sewer, various precautionary measures and control methods were implemented. These include the following: the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), substitution, alternative work methods, isolation, enclosure and ventilation. The last five engineering control strategy methods are used to eliminate possible risks/hazards in the site whilst the former method is used for protection purposes only (IHSA, 2010). 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) One of the most common precautionary methods applied in the construction is the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The OHS policy has both mandated the employer and employees to comply with this health and safety requirements at work site. The employer or construction supervisor is the one accountable to look onto whether or not the workers are wearing the PPE. Meanwhile, the construction workers have the responsibility to wear all the time their PPE during work hours. The primary purpose of using PPE is to minimize or prevent the workers from exposure to hazards or risks and to minimize the impact in case accidents occur in the workplace. According to IHSA (2010) the commonly used PPE in the construction work site include but not limited to eye protection, head protection, foot protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand/skin protection, high-visibility clothing, personal fall protection, (IHSA, 2010). Eye protection The use of eye protection in the construction site is highly advice in order to prevent eye injuries due to unexpected flying objects (i.e. piece of metal, stone, nails, etc), dust (sand, woods, and cement), heat (pouring molten metal, casting, pouring, brazing, soldering, babbiting, welding, hot dipping operations), acid splash (acid and alkali handling, glass breakage, chemical spray), abrasive (sand blasting), glare (reflection, bright sun and lights, reflected welding flash, photographic copying), and radiation (UV light from welding). Eye protectors commonly used in construction works include spectacles, goggles, welding helmets, welding hand shields, hoods, face shields, and respiratory facepieces. The use of eye protectors is not a guarantee to be saved from eye injuries; one must also observe and follow proper eye care, safe work procedures, and proper selection of eye protectors in order to prevent eye injuries from occurring. Head Protection The construction workers are required to wear a hard hat in the work site at all times in order to protect their head from falling or flying objects and electricity contact. The purpose of using this is to reduce the effect of the object that hits the head. Foot Protection The rubber boot is highly recommended for all the workers to protect them from foot injuries from cuts or punctures, falling objects. In addition, it is also used as metatarsal and dielectric protection. Hearing Protection Noise is an unavoidable consequence in construction. Hence, in case engineering control measures cannot eliminate the level of noise, the worker is advised to wear hearing protection devices (HPDs) to at least reduce his/her exposure from it and to prevent from resulting to temporary or permanent hearing loss. The commonly used HPDs are earplugs and earmuffs. Respiratory Protection This PPE is basically used as protection from dust, gases, vapours, fumes and mists which possibly end-result to respiratory hazards to the construction workers. The examples of this device include the air-purifying respirators (i.e. particulate filter, gas/vapour cartridge filter, and combination particulate/gas/vapour cartridge with filter); and supplied-air respirators (i.e. airline unit, ambient air blower, and self-contained breathing apparatus). Hand and Skin Protection Gloves is the most commonly used PPE for hands to protect them from physical hazards such sharp or jagged edges materials/tools; heat; vibration; corrosive or toxic chemicals and ultraviolet radiation. Exposure from these hazards may end to injuries or may develop hand and skin diseases like hand/arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), skin cancer, etc. High Visibility Clothing This PPE is commonly utilized when the site is within, near, or along highways for vehicular traffic. The purpose of wearing this is to be visible for the motorist while managing the traffic. Personal Fall Protection (PFP) As the name suggests that this PPE is used to prevent the workers from falling especially when the built structure is too high. The commonly used PFP in construction include the following: full body harness, fall-restricting system, fall-arrest system and safety net. 2. Substitution Substitution is a common engineering control strategy risk/hazard measure wherein a construction material is replaced with other materials that has the same use/purpose but, less hazardous. For example, use of asbestos insulation which contain less toxic chemicals instead of using calcium silicate or fiberglass insulation which contain more toxic chemicals (IHSA, 2007). 3. Alternative work methods Meanwhile, this control measure is similar to the above method, but, it is the activity or way which will be changed instead of the materials. The purpose of this control measure is to provide safer and healthier means of construction work to avoid or prevent hazards/risks. For example, in painting concrete walls, to lower the vapour levels of the paint, brushing or rolling paint is more advisable rather than spray painting. Another example is when removing asbestos, to reduce the release of excessive dust; wet removal is undertaken instead of dry removal (IHSA, 2007). 4. Isolation This strategy is a preventive measure wherein the worker is being isolated to prevent him from excessive exposure to risks/hazards. An example of isolation device used in construction is the filtered air-conditioned cab which protects the operator/worker from exposure to dust. This device can be used when undertaking maintenance on a deep enclosed sewer, or in quarry (IHSA, 2007). 5. Enclosure This control method is commonly applied especially when the purpose is to reduce the noise level of the construction activity like when using compressor; and to eliminate toxic emissions preventing the occurrence of further hazards or risks (IHSA, 2007). 6. Ventilation Likewise, this control method is being used for various purposes such removing dusts and fumes, removing air contaminants at source from used materials containing high toxic chemicals, and for facilitating better air exchange (IHSA, 2007). Task 2: Sectors in the Industry Particularly, this research study will discuss the nature of the design and construction work undertaken for infrastructure/transportation. This includes case study of Motorway Services Area (MSA): the M1 North MSA and the M1 South MSA. The M1 North is located in County Louth 1 kilometers away from West Dromiskin whilst M1 South is located in the Townlands of Balldrumman, Ballough and Jordanstown with 2.8 km distance to the west of Lusk in North County Dublin. These projects have both purposes for its establishment – to provide rest and facilities to motorist and travelers including food, fuel and toilet services. Therefore, these projects include restaurants, convenience shops, fuel station, toilets and shower cubicles, parking facilities, building facilities, seating and picnic area, and other facilities which offer services to travelers. These two projects both employed public private partnership approach (PPP) between the National Roads Authority and Westconsult, incorporating Roughan & O’ Donovan Consulting Engineers and RPS Consulting Engineers. The primary purpose of this partnership contract is to strengthen and improve the delivery of services to the clients/customer by allowing each sector (private and public) to participate in innovating economic and efficient means of delivering services. Likewise, this partnership also allows the private investors to take part and involve in providing services as well as in operating MSA. Moreover, the PPP scheme involves a long-term concession period which is developed on the basis of design, build, operation, and finance contracts. Although the design and build partners are part owner of the project, they are still bound to be flexible in the design wherein it welcomes changes or integration of other features in order to meet the required standards and mitigation measures; and to follow appropriate method in developing detailed design as well as in implementing construction methods Since, MSA is considered as big project because it involved large sum of costs, activities and wide use of resources which affects existing habitats and ecosystem, one of the challenges faced by developers is on how to build the structure without altering the surrounding environment and its natural features in order to comply with the environmental requirements set by the government. Therefore, to counteract this challenge, the developers include in the project plan a feasibility studies in order to identify the area’s special and unique features. The purpose of this is to study the impact of construction in order to provide alternative measures so that these features will be protected, conserved and maintained in its original form and to provide mitigation measures for identified risks/hazards (NRA Vol. 1, 2008 & NRA Vol 2, 2008). Task 3: Challenges and Opportunities Undeniably, the engineering and construction industry is amongst the most significant contributor in the UK economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. In 2008, the construction industry has contributed significant increase in the state GDP of 8.5% amounting to ?124 billion. The industry has significant impact on the total economic activity because it could generate up to ?2.84 in every ?1 spent on construction outputs; hence increased GDP. Moreover, it increased employment opportunities to 3 million including low-skilled laborers (UKCG, 2009). However, in the past few years, the trend in the industry is fast changing due to diverse occurrence of challenges which include economic recession, environmental factors, and globalization. Economic recession Due to economic recession in UK, the employment rate is negatively altered imposing 1% decline in 2008 and continuous drop up to 15% in 2009 to 2010. This drop in the previous years has end-resulted to job loss of around 450, 000 people in construction industry only. Whilst, the most significant effect of declining rate of employment in the construction industry is felt in the decreasing numbers of construction projects especially in home building due to shortages of buyers (SmartKnowledge, 2010). Environmental factors Another challenge faced by the engineering and construction industry is the implementation of sustainable construction policy in the state in an effort to respond and reduce the effects of climate change due to carbon emissions and excessive exploitation of energy and natural resources. The UK government has regulated the emissions of carbon wherein it started to lower by 25% in 2006, then by 44% in 2010 and by 0% in 2016 (DSBI, 2008, p.1).Therefore, the challenge imposed to the project construction developers and investors is on how to integrate sustainable features in the built environment whilst providing and maintaining affordable construction price to the masses. However, this challenge has open many doors for new opportunities such the incorporation of green practices in building construction i.e. the use of solar, wind, water to generate energy and the use of indigenous materials available in the locality which all entails lesser harm to the environment as well as to the people who will be using the built environment. Globalization Undeniably, globalization can alter the landscape of the economy where it can both bring challenges and opportunities in engineering and construction industry. One of the obvious effects of globalization is the increase of foreign investors in construction which could create competition among local investors in the country. It could also influence the cost of living of people which significantly affects the low income earners as well as it creates inequality among the people. However, globalization could also offer various opportunities in the industry such generation of employment, increase of salary, introduction of new and advance technology, and improve linkages to wider building opportunities (Hanley, 2011). Reference: Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (2007). Guide to Procuring Construction Projects. PDF. Pp. 6-8. Hanley, T. (2011). Globalisation, UK poverty and communities. UK: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Pp.1-18. Health and Safety Executives (2007). Managing health and safety in Construction: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Approved Code of Practice. Great Britain: Crown. Pp.1-106. Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (2010). Construction Health and Safety Manual. [WWW] Available from http://www.csao.org/t.tools/t5.products/product_details.cfm. [Accessed 02/23/2012]. National Roads Authority (2008). M1 South Motorway Service Area: Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 2: Main Report (February). Pp. 1-309. National Roads Authority (2008). M1 North Motorway Service Area: Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1: Non Technical Summary (February). Pp. 1-27. Smart Knowledge (2010). UK Construction-The Impact of Recession (so far). Weblog [Online] 15th November. Available from: http://the-knowledgesmart-blog.blogspot.com/2010/11/uk-construction-impact-of-recession-so.html. [ Accessed 02/24/2012]. UK Contractors Group (2009). Construction in the UK Economy: The Benefits of Investment. London: UKCG & L.E.K. Consulting. PDF. Pp.1-36. Part 2: Task 4: Site Visit Report Engineering and construction industry is considered as hazardous activity because it contributes to high rate of accidents which often end-results to temporary or permanent injuries or fatality. For the purpose of acquiring in-depth understanding regarding the nature of the industry, the student has conducted an on-site visit of two on-going construction projects near the vicinity of the university. The two construction projects visited were the ABC Commercial Project and the DEF Lesisure Project. In the site the student has observed various but, commonly practiced safety site procedures. This include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), display/placing of safety signage. Use of PPE In both project sites visited, the student observed that all the workers including the visitors are required to wear PPE. The PPE include the vest, safety shoes, hard hat, gloves, and safety spectacles. According to the report of OHSA (2003), the use of PPE in the site is very necessary because construction activities involved numerous and unexpected causes/sources of hazards like falling objects, chemicals, noise, sharp tools, dust and among others. The purpose of PPE is very obvious to protect the workers from possible hazards. Furthermore, in case accident has occurred, the negative impact will be minimized. For example, the injury will be more likely lesser if the person is wearing hard hat in case there was an unexpected falling object (i.e. stone, piece of wood) that hits his/her head. Safety Signage The second observation was the presence or use of numerous safety signages in and around the construction sites. According to the report of Noctor (2009) which is published online, the ultimate purpose of placing/displaying safety signage in the construction site is to provide warning or advice to the construction workers as well as to those who are passing by or visiting the area of the possible sources or causes of risks/hazard. This is to prevent accidents which may possibly end-result to temporary or permanent acquisition of disease/illness and/or physical injuries. The signage may be placed in areas, equipment/tools which impose danger/hazard. The signage may include the following: Traffic routes and warnings This is very important especially if the project site is near or along highways. The purpose of placing this is to advise the motorist that there is on-going construction activity in the area in order to prevent accidents or injuries (Noctor, 2009). Examples of traffic signs related to construction include the following: Slow down men at work Detour Construction ahead Right/left lane closed ahead One way ahead Emergency Exits This is also very important so that when unexpected situations like fire, earthquake, etc, the workers as well as the visitors to the site will know where to escape (Noctor, 2009). Examples of signage include: Fire Exit Emergency Exit Location of emergency equipment An example of this equipment is fire fighting tools like fire extinguisher, buttons for sprinklers, first aid kits etc. The purpose of this is to inform the workers or visitors that in case untoward situation occurs like fire, earthquake, there are equipments to be used to prevent them from getting worse or at least use them for escaping the building (Noctor, 2009). Example of signage: Fire Extinguisher Here, Sprinkler button here Emergency/sound alarm here Type of activity The purpose of this is to inform/advise the workers as well as the visitors that there is an activity in the area. For example, there is deep excavation, therefore, they are warned that the place have holes or sudden collapsed might occur; hence, they will take some precautionary measures when going or passing by in the area (Noctor, 2009). Example of signage: Deed excavation ahead Warning construction site ahead Road works ahead Other health and safety signage This is to inform or warn the workers and the visitors that hazards might occur anytime in the area or hazards/risk may occur when they are being touched (i.e. high voltage equipment/tool). The purpose of this is to advise the workers and visitors to always take and observe precautionary mitigation measures in order to eliminate/prevent accidents/injuries (Noctor, 2009). Example of signage: Danger restricted area warning pinch point wear proper safety equipment in this area high voltage watch for falling objects caution eye wash only caution hand wash only Safety fence During the on-site visit, it was also observed that the perimeter of the site was fenced. According to the construction site guide, the purpose of the fence is to prevent the entrance of unauthorized person in the construction site. Regular workplace and equipment inspection It was also observed that there is regular workplace and equipment inspection in the construction site using a hazard identification checklist. According to the report of WorkCover (1999), the purpose of undertaking this procedure in the construction site is to identify the possible sources of workplace hazards and to provide necessary and appropriate mitigation measures. All the identified hazards were recorded by the inspector. Base on the explanation of the guide, this will be used to determine the most appropriate solution to that certain hazard/risk. During the visit, an inspection to the area which will be excavated was inspected. According to International Labor Organization (1995), the purpose of the prior inspection is to determine the nature of the ground as well as the groundwater conditions of the area in order to determine which type of support is most appropriate and applied during the excavation in order to prevent accidents due to excavation activities. The most common accidents associated to excavation include the following: trapped or buried due to collapse falling into the excavation stuck in the excavation due to insufficient means of escape poisoning due to insufficient passage of air Meanwhile, it was also observed that routes for vehicles used in the construction (i.e. trucks, tractors, trailers, and small dumpers) are properly leveled, marked and speed limit were required to prevent accidents. References: International Labor Organization (1995). Safety, Health and welfare on construction sites. Switzerland: ILO. PDF. pp. 1-134. Noctor, D. (2009). Safety Signs for the Construction Workplace. [WWW] Available from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Safety-Signs-For-the-Construction-Workplace&id=3181100. [Accessed 02/21/2012]. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2003). Personal Protective Equipment. [WWW] Available from: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.html. [Accessed 02/24/2012]. WorkCover (1999). Occupational Health and Safety Information Manualfor Supervisors in the NSW Construction Industry. [WWW]. Available from http://www.scribd.com/doc/51806871/28/Developing-Safe-Work-Procedures-in-Project-or-Site-Construction-Work. [Accessed 02-24/2012]. Read More